Gestational diabetes is a condition in which your blood sugar levels become high during
pregnancy. It affects up to 10% of women who are pregnant in the U.S. each year. It affects pregnant women who haven’t ever been diagnosed with diabetes. There are two classes of gestational diabetes. Women with class A1 can manage it through diet and exercise. Those who have class A2 need to take insulin or other medications. Gestational diabetes goes away after you give birth. But it can affect your
baby’s health, and it raises your risk of getting type 2 diabetes later in life. You can take steps so you and your baby stay healthy. Women with gestational diabetes usually don’t have symptoms
or may chalk them up to pregnancy. Most find out that they have it during a routine screening. When you eat, your pancreas releases
insulin, a hormone that helps move a sugar called glucose from your blood to your cells, which use it for energy. During pregnancy, your placenta makes hormones that cause glucose to build up in your blood. Usually, your pancreas can send out enough insulin to handle it. But if your body can’t make enough insulin or stops using insulin as it should, your blood sugar levels rise, and you get gestational diabetes. You’re more likely to get gestational diabetes if you: Gestational diabetes usually happens in the second half of pregnancy. Your doctor will check for it between weeks 24 and 28, or sooner if you're at high risk. Your doctor will give you a glucose tolerance test: You’ll drink 50 grams of glucose in a sweet drink, which will raise your blood sugar. An hour later, you’ll take a blood glucose test to see how
your body handled all that sugar. If the results show that your blood sugar is higher than a certain level, you’ll need a 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test, meaning you’ll get a blood glucose test 3 hours after you drink a 100-gram glucose drink. Your doctor can also test you by having you fast for 12 hours, then giving you a 75-gram glucose drink and a 2-hour blood glucose test. If you’re at high risk but your test results are normal, your doctor might test you again later in your
pregnancy to make sure you still don’t have it. If you have gestational diabetes, you’ll need treatment as soon as possible to keep yourself and your baby healthy during your pregnancy and delivery. Your doctor will ask you to: Your doctor will keep track of your weight and your baby’s development. They might give you insulin or another medicine to keep your blood sugar under control. The American Diabetes Association recommends these targets for pregnant women who test their blood sugar:
Diet and Exercise for Gestational DiabetesTake these simple steps to stay healthy: Eat a healthy, low-sugar diet. Talk to your doctor to be sure you’re getting the nutrition you need. Follow a meal plan made for someone with diabetes:
Exercise throughout your pregnancy. You
can exercise when you have gestational diabetes as long as your doctor says it’s OK. Being active is a good way to help manage your blood sugar. Staying fit during pregnancy is also good for your posture and can curb some common problems, like backaches and fatigue. Get the right prenatal care: Not only can your doctor screen you for this condition; they can offer advice on
food, activity, and weight loss. They can also point you to other health professionals, like nutritionists, that can help. If you have morning sickness, eat small snacks. Nibble on crackers, cereal, or pretzels before you get out of bed.
As you go through your day, have small meals often and avoid fatty, fried, and greasy foods. If you take insulin, make sure you've got a plan to deal with low blood sugar. Throwing up can make your glucose level drop. Talk to your doctor if you're not sure what to do. Gestational Diabetes PreventionYou can lower your risk before you get pregnant by:
Your baby will probably be healthy, if you and your doctor manage your blood sugar
while you have gestational diabetes. Right after you give birth, doctors will check your newborn's blood sugar level. If it’s low, they may need to get glucose through an IV until it comes back up to normal. Gestational diabetes raises the chance that you will have a baby who is larger than normal. It's also linked to jaundice, in which the skin looks yellowish. Jaundice generally fades quickly with treatment. Although your child will be more likely than other kids to get type 2 diabetes later on, a healthy lifestyle (including a good diet and lots of physical activity) can cut that risk. Will I Get Type 2 Diabetes?Because you had gestational diabetes, you have a greater chance of having type 2 diabetes. But it won’t definitely happen, and you can take action to prevent that. Your blood sugar levels will likely return to normal about 6 weeks after childbirth. (Your doctor will check on that.) If it does, you should get follow-up tests every 3 years. To lower your risk:
If you plan to have another baby, keep in mind that you are more likely to get gestational diabetes again. Ask your doctor if there are any lifestyle changes that would help you avoid that. How can I bring my glucose level down naturally?14 Easy Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Levels Naturally. Exercise regularly. ... . Manage your carb intake. ... . Eat more fiber. ... . Drink water and stay hydrated. ... . Implement portion control. ... . Choose foods with a low glycemic index. ... . Try to manage your stress levels. ... . Monitor your blood sugar levels.. What to eat if glucose is high during pregnancy?Recommendations. Plenty of whole fruits and vegetables.. Moderate amounts of lean proteins and healthy fats.. Moderate amounts of whole grains, such as bread, cereal, pasta, and rice, plus starchy vegetables, such as corn and peas.. Fewer foods that have a lot of sugar, such as soft drinks, fruit juices, and pastries.. What happens if my glucose is high during pregnancy?High blood glucose levels during pregnancy can also increase the chance that your baby will be born too early, weigh too much, or have breathing problems or low blood glucose right after birth. High blood glucose also can increase the chance that you will have a miscarriage link or a stillborn baby.
Can drinking water lower blood sugar during pregnancy?As water contains no carbohydrate or calories, it is the perfect drink for pregnant women. Studies have also shown that drinking water could help control glucose levels. Drink a large glass of water with every meal and another glass in between meals. "Water was key to keeping my glucose levels stable.
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